The Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry as Kabuki Actors 1835

This woodblock print, created in 1835 by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kunisada, depicts two Kabuki actors portraying figures from the “Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry.” The print is characteristic of Kunisada’s ukiyo-e style, which emphasized dynamic poses and vivid colors. This piece is a testament to the popularity of Kabuki theater and traditional Japanese literature in the 19th century. The print is part of a larger series, highlighting the connection between art and theater in Edo-period Japan.